In the summer of 2009, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/jean-nouvel-named-2008-pritzker-architecture-laureate/">Jean Nouvel</a> was chosen as the lead urban architect for a 300,000 square meter project in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. Nouvel recently unveiled the master plan for the incredible mixed-use project named the Seguin Island, which includes a cultural center, social facilites, extensive parks, gardens, shops, and terraces that serve as a destination for both residents and tourists. The new project will not only introduce additional public green space to the area, but the Seguin is anticipated to become a major destination for the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/billionaire-to-invest-131-million-into-paris-carshare-program/">city of Paris</a>. Construction is scheduled to begin next year, and the new cultural pole is expected to open by the end of 2023.

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Seguin Island Ateliers Jean Nouvel

The island was abandoned by carmaker<a href="http://inhabitat.com/electric-renault-dezir-unveiled-at-paris-motor-show/"> Renault</a> almost 20 years ago, and with Nouvel's design there is hope that Paris could have a new landmark on its hands. A mix of culture, commerce, urban parks and gardens, the city is hoping to create an attractive destination for both Parisians and tourists to enjoy both day and night.

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Seguin Island Ateliers Jean Nouvel

The Seguin will establish a large complex of two music halls, one seating 3,000 to 5,000, the second seating 800; a cultural hub of fine art and digital composed across a contemporary art foundation, an arts portal, galleries, and <a href="studio-in-new-york/">artist studios</a>; a history museum focused on French collections; a vibrant commercial structure along a main street of 400 meters, with passages linking to the banks of the Seine and large squares gardens; and finally more basic leisure and entertainment destinations complemented by hotels, restaurants and a cinema complex.

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Seguin Island Ateliers Jean Nouvel

Most notably, the green spaces will cover an area of 7 hectares, and set the path towards an eco-friendly neighborhood - especially key as additional developments are anticipated to follow the project at hand.

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Seguin Island Ateliers Jean Nouvel

A 450 meter long glass covered garden in the center will house plants unknown to the Ile-de-France region, and when the weather permits, the roof will be left open to infuse the space with fresh air. The banks of the Seine around Seguin Island will be a public waterfront promenade, and additional trees will be planted in this area.

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Seguin Island Ateliers Jean Nouvel

Overseeing the revitalization, Nouvel has been conscious of creating a seamless development that doesn't parcel off the land to the developers and <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/architecture">architects</a> involved. Rather, Nouvel sees the Seguin as a chance to make up for what was lost during the years of desolation, and to instead create an urban pole with the power to transform the community.

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Seguin Island Ateliers Jean Nouvel

As he contends, “If we do not define the urban agenda at this stage we will have a place without soul or roots, without synergy or complexity….a place without mystery. The depth of the project is a dimension that can be premeditated. My role here is to create a harmony, an urban continuity like that which existed before with the industrial space."

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Seguin Island Ateliers Jean Nouvel

The Seguin Island project demonstrates a new way of thinking about <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/architecture">architecture</a> within a city that is both modern and historic, yet not confined by either notion.

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Seguin Island Ateliers Jean Nouvel

Nouvel's plan is "based on principles of body types, shapes and sequences of spaces and using different types of buildings."

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Seguin Island Ateliers Jean Nouvel

Master plan of the Seguin Island development.

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Seguin Island Ateliers Jean Nouvel

In the summer of 2009, Jean Nouvel was chosen as the lead urban architect for a 300,000 square meter project in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. Nouvel recently unveiled the master plan for the incredible mixed-use project named the Seguin Island, which includes a cultural center, social facilites, extensive parks, gardens, shops, and terraces that serve as a destination for both residents and tourists. The new project will not only introduce additional public green space to the area, but the Seguin is anticipated to become a major destination for the city of Paris. Construction is scheduled to begin next year, and the new cultural pole is expected to open by the end of 2023.